Arabian Horses.org Canadian Nationals

Thurssday August 25, 2005 - Canadian Nationals Daily Update

Versatile Arabians!

Thursday's classes, ranging from Arabian Futurity Colts and Ladies' English Side Saddle to Trail Horse, Park and Western Pleasure provided proof in motion of the breed's beauty and versatility.

Family and friends wait to find out the driving national champion.

Afire Goddess, driven by Larry Hoffman, leaves the ring as reserve champion in Arabian Pleasure Driving.

Around the Grounds

Deborah Johnson takes a break from judging and her day job as a college professor to advance to the finals in Arabian Country English Pleasure on Alistair X+. Class sponsors included Rooker Training Stables, Dealer Direct Automotive, Sport Chassis by Freightliner and Chris Pullara and Springwater Farms.

Arabian English Show Hack riders exit the ring to await the Top Ten announcement.

Janice Harris, right, has volunteered in the Canadian Nationals barn office for the past 10 years. She loves the job because "you get to meet everyone at the very beginning of the show." Show vet Larry Hanson, with Sherwood Animal Clinic in Regina, has worked Canadian Nationals for 14 years. Show vets are equipped to handle any required care except surgery on site. While he likes to see healthy horses, Hanson said that when necessary, "Arabians make wonderful patients."

Behind the Scenes: Show office manager Marion Enders, center, with show secretary Summer Van Valkenburgh and AHA member services representative Jamey Patterson.

Another way to go at a horse show.

Open Arabian Trail Horse champion Khevin Khostner H+//, a Khemosabi son, and his fans, Steve Schnellman, rider Mary Schnellman and trainer Deb Witty. Class sponsors included Team Keisner, Silver Aspen Ranch, LaRae F. Powell and Cheryl Fletcher.

Trainer/breeders Paul and Marcella Mahew are enthusiastic about bringing new people to the breed and encouraging amateur riders. This gelding is one of two Arabians their client bought for less than $4,000 who to halter Top Tens at Scottsdale and Region 4.

Ten stunning 3-year-olds made up the Arabian Futurity Colts class. Walter Mishek sponsored the rose blanket while McKinney Art Casting sponsored the garland.

Futurity colt national champion ROL Intencyty, handled by Jeff Schall for Robin Hood Farms/RO Lervick Arabians.

Futurity colt reserve champion Denali BHF, handled by David Boggs for Battle Hill Farm.

Trail Horse classes require the horse to negotiate a course of natural obstacles simulating actual trail hazards. This is a familiar challenge for Arabians, who have been covering great distances through often harsh terrain for centuries.